21 January 2012

At 13:00 today (1pm) a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area, including Katoomba.

Thunder, lightning, very heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds are possible over the next several hours.

There is currently one storm cell almost over Katoomba and another forming to the south.

For life-threatening emergencies call 000 immediatelyFor assistance with storm damage call the State Emergency Service on 132 500

Regards,Eric.

Sent from my lounge chair

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20 January 2012

Today’s forecast includes the possibility of thunderstorms and there are some brewing. Currently the area just west of Lithgow, and another area near Jenolan, are receiving some storm activity although at this stage the storm cells are still to the south-west of Katoomba. There are more cells down to the south-west of the Southern Highlands. All of these storm cells are moving slowly to the north-east, so they might come to give us a bit of attention later in the afternoon or early evening.

There’s no warnings current for the Central Tablelands or Greater Sydney areas, although if that situation changes we’ll try to let you know promptly.

RFS Disclaimer:This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this email and any copies or links to this email completely and immediately from your system. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

08 January 2012

It's a warm summer afternoon and that often means something special for The Mountains - you guessed it, thunderstorm time.

There is a cell building west of Katoomba that is heading this way, and an absolute belter (the scientific term) out further west of the tablelands.

No formal warning has been issued by the weather bureau yet, so this is just a quick heads-up for those who might want to power-down their expensive computers etc.

Cheers,Eric

Sent from my iPhone

RFS Disclaimer:This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this email and any copies or links to this email completely and immediately from your system. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

05 January 2012

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is current for the Central Tablelands area. A Number of storm cells are moving through the area.

An intense cell, currently out near Trunkey, is moving north-east towards the mid and upper Blue Mountains, including Katoomba, Hazelbrook and adjoining villages, later moving down the Mountains. Heavy rain, hail and even some flash flooding are possible, along with lightning & thunder.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the NSW SES on 132 500.

For life-threatening emergencies, ring '000' immediately!

Stay safe, stay calm,

Eric

RFS Disclaimer:This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this email and any copies or links to this email completely and immediately from your system. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

03 January 2012

Over the past few weeks there has been a proliferation (a rapid increase in numbers) of illegal fires. It appears that the majority of these are people burning off on private property without a permit.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from October 1st to March 31st. If you are planning to light a fire in the open during this time, you will need a permit!

You will also need to obtain an “Open Burning Approval” from Blue Mountains City Council. Some properties in rural areas of the Mountains have a "class exemption", whilst those properties in and around the townships generally do not (with a very few exemptions).

You may also need an environmental approval or Hazard Reduction Certificate (HRC) from the RFS.

Fire permits are not required for fires for the purpose of heating or cooking, provided that:
- the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace;
- at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around;
- The fire is completely extinguished before leaving

Substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons who light fires without a permit & appropriate approvals.